Ring of Kerry
This is really the Iveragh peninsula. The ring refers to the coast road that circles the peninsula this being 105 miles in length. This area has it all from towns, villages, mountains, forest, blanket bog, lakes, rivers and lots of coast line. MacGillicuddys Reeks are Ireland's highest mountain range with Corràn Tuathail being Ireland's highest peak at 1,039m.
Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry is famous for its lace making and has its own walking festival in April.
Beara peninsula eight miles west of Kenmare is a lovely valley with several lakes and a waterfall.
Waterville is a seaside Victorian town. In recent times Charlie Chaplin was a frequent visitor. Sea trout can be caught on Lough Curraine.
Valentia Island is linked to the mainland by road-bridge or by short ferry from Portmagee. It was here in 1865 where the original transatlantic telegram cable landed joining Europe to North America. The harbour is Europes most westerly. On your journey round the island take time to stop at the Slate Mines where you can see and buy all types of slate made items. Also stop at the Skellig experience to gain an insight to the Skellig Islands, the life of the 6th century monks that lived there, the seabirds and underwater fauna that is on and around the islands and also the lighthouses and the lives of the keepers.
Between Glenbeigh & Killorglin you will find the Bog Village where you can travel back in time to a peasant cottage of olden times. Here you will step back to 18th century Kerry for a glimpse of life in the heart of the boglands (take your camera to take photos of the cute bog ponies).
Other Kerry Attractions
Crag Cave is a series of underground natural caves discovered in 1983. Formed out of limestone 1 million years ago you can enjoy a guided tour and see the wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. It has a restaurant, Gift Shop and Childrens Indoor Play Area.
Ballybunion looks upon its self as Kerrys premier sea side resort. Located in North Kerry 21 miles north of Tralee it has sandy beaches, cliff walks, caves, cycle trails and great bars and restaurants. You can also try some alternative therapy at the Seaweed Baths.
Listowel has thousands of visitors each year, some for the horse racing, the others in pursuit of literature. Only 17 miles from Tralee, this small town has produced many distinguished writers and has built a centre (Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre) to honour them. In the centre are interactive audiovisual displays to learn about the writers, ancient storytelling and the literary festival.
A little further afield
The Toy Soldier Factory near Macroom, Co Cork is for those of you interested in toy soldiers. This factory produces moulds of various toy soldiers, chess sets, Tolkien figures and dragons, which can be bought in kit form. Its Visitor Centre has fantastic dioramas of the soldiers and the other items they produce.
Jameson Irish Whiskey was produced until 1975 at the Old Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. Today, the whiskey is produced at an adjacent site, and at the Old Distillery you can tour the distillery, finding out about the fascinating history and production of Irish Whiskey. After the tour you can try a glass of Jameson Irish Whiskey, and if you are lucky enough to be chosen, can compare it with other whiskeys such as Scotch and Jack Daniels.
Kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle (near Cork) is alleged to bestow the gift of the gab. The castle itself was built in 1446 for the independent Irish speaking feudal aristocrats. If you are prepared to climb the many steps to the top where the Blarney Stone is, then you will be rewarded with the terrific views of Co Cork.
